Street Beat: Freestyle
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From: SurfSalad.com July 01, 2010 |
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Photo: Freestyle
Chad LaBass, Marketing Director for FreestyleEstablished in 1981, Freestyle was the brainchild of a few surfers who wanted to create a watch line to withstand the abusive conditions of their beach lifestyle. The result was the "Shark" watch, a lightweight and extremely durable timepiece that is the cornerstone of the brand.
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, Freestyle's Marketing efforts are spearheaded by industry-veteran, Chad LaBass. I wanted to investigate this feeding frenzy, so I hit up Chad with some q's. Nothing too formal, it's more like...Freestyle-ing. Enjoy!
- Danny Spyra
Photo: Freestyle
The Shark - the foundation of Freestyle
BNQT - THE SHARK IS AN ICONIC FREESTYLE WATCH; NOW THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT MODELS. CAN YOU BREAK DOWN THE SHARK SPECIES FOR US?
Chad - The Shark Series is really the foundation of the Freestyle Brand. The long history of quality and durability allows us to keep bringing new Shark's into the mix while at the same time re-issuing old favorites. The latest feeding frenzy is all about the new Killer Shark, an oversized version of the original Shark Classic measuring in at 48mm wide. The original Sharks are 38mm, with the Shark Mid sizes at 30mm. So we now have something for all wrist sizes and tastes. We've also brought back some of the original sharks from the late 80's, such as the Shark Clip and the Shark 88, these have the original style band featuring the plastic clip or Velcro. For the ladies we are about to release a Shark with a crystal bezel, it's going to turn some heads for sure.
Photo: Freestyle
The Durbo - the signature watch for CT slayer, Bede
Durbidge
BNQT - BEDE DURBIDGE JUST GOT HIS FIRST SIGNATURE FREESTYLE WATCH, THE "DURBO." WHAT MAKES HIS TIMEPIECE UNIQUE?
Chad - We are so stoked to be working with Bede, he is a tremendous surfer and a genuinely great guy. We wanted to do something really special for his timepiece, so we found a way to integrate a fin key into the case. For a surfer it's like having insurance, we are always losing our fin keys at the worst time. On a trip, just got a new board, and doh! You don't have a fin key! Well that problem has been solved with the Durbo. The fin key tucks neatly into the case, you don't even know it s there until you need it. The watch itself is a really good looking piece, the fin key is just a bonus feature. It's compatible with both FCS and Future fin systems.
Photo: Freestyle
The Summer - just in time for its namesake
BNQT - IT'S JULY 1ST...SUMMER IS WELL UNDERWAY AND YOU RECENTLY INTRODUCED THE "SUMMER." WHAT DOES THIS WATCH HOLD FOR THE LADIES?
Chad - You've done your research, we like that! The Summer is a watch for girls that just want to have fun. It's got all the standard feature of a digital watch but it's the cool color combos that make this watch dance. Like we say, from the pool to the party, The Summer will keep the heads turning and the seconds burning!
Photo: Freestyle
The 20X10 Shark line is super limited
BNQT - WHAT IS THE IDEA BEHIND THE 20X10 LINE OF SHARKS AND WHERE CAN WE FIND THEM?
Chad - Due to the construction of the Shark Watches, we have unlimited possibilities as far as color ways and band options. As a result we decided to celebrate 2010 by bringing out 10 special edition sharks throughout the year. Each shark is colored based on a theme of the particular month. For instance, in July we just launched a Denim Shark to celebrate the 4th of July because denim is an iconic American clothing invention. The 20x10 Special Edition Sharks are only available at select retailers listed here: http://www.freestyleusa.com/20x10/
Photo: Freestyle
The Speed Dial - a unique watch with a jog wheel to
scroll through modes
BNQT - THE "SPEED DIAL" WATCH ACTUALLY HAS A SPEED DIAL. WHAT DOES THIS FUTURISTIC ELEMENT BRING TO THE TABLE?
Chad - The Speed Dial is the result of our designers putting a new spin on an old design. In a nut shell, the "speed dial" or "jog wheel" simply takes the place of the mode button. So instead of pressing a button to scroll through the modes, you just dial them up by spinning the wheel. We gave the watch a retro look even though it's a new concept.
Photo: Freestyle
The Killer Shark - an oversized version of the OG
Shark
BNQT - THE KILLER SHARK WATCH CERTAINLY GRABS MY EYE. IT'S ALSO QUITE AFFORDABLE AT A MSRP OF $60. WHAT DIFFERENTIATES THIS MODEL FROM THE SHARK?
You hit the nail right on the head, the Killer Shark is an eye grabber. Big watches are on trend right now, so we super sized the original shark to create the Killer. The first 3 colors we brought out sold out quick, so we have 6 new colors about to drop. For a big watch, the Killer Shark is the lightest and most comfortable you will find, not to mention the price will make your wallet happy. We didn't cut any corners either; the Killer Shark is packed with the same quality and durability of the original shark, just in a bigger case.
Street Beat Archive:
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Nicole Hanriot with TAVIK Swimwear
Matt Gleason with Liquid Force
Jonathan Paskowitz with Lightning Bolt
Nice overview of the 2010 Freestyle lineup. They are keepin with the times.